Covalent binding of human serum albumin and ovalbumin by chloramine-T and chemical modification of the proteins

The covalent binding of ³⁵S-chloramine-T to human resum albumin (HSA) and ovalbumin is described. At pH 6.5, up to 24 chloramine-T molecules were found to be covalently bound per molecule of HSA; with ovalbumin the binding was only 5–7 molecule per protein molecule. Binding was accompanied by extensive modification of methionine, cysteine, histidine, tyrosine and lysine. Three new peaks appeared in the amino acid profiles of the modified proteins; two were identified as 1-aminoadipic acid (oxidation of lysine) and 3-chlorotyrosine. The most sites for covalent binding are lysine residues.     

Tandem post-synthetic modification for functionalized metal-organic frameworks via epoxidation and subsequent epoxide ring-opening

A sequence of two new post-synthetic modifications, epoxidation using dimethyldioxirane and subsequent epoxide ring-opening, was developed, maintaining the MOF network. A kinetic study shows that the functionalization of metal-organic frameworks with synthetically versatile and reactive oxirane groups is even possible for small pore diameters.     

Oligonucleotides containing arylacetylene residues: Synthesis and post-synthetic modification via [3+2] cycloaddition

The synthesis of a phosphoramidite reagent for 5′-modification of oligonucleotides by introducing an arylacetylene residue has been described. Using the reaction with 3-(perylen-3-yl)propyl azide as an example, it was shown that the acetylene derivatives of oligonucleotides synthesized using this reagent undergo Cu^I-catalyzed [3+2] dipolar cycloaddition. Fluorescent conjugates were obtained in high yields and characterized by mass spectra. Published in Russian in Izvestiya Akademii Nauk. Seriya Khimicheskaya, No. 7, pp. 1220–1226, July, 2006.     

Ru(III) complex anchored onto amino-functionalized MIL-101(Cr) framework via post-synthetic modification: an efficient heterogeneous catalyst for ring opening of epoxides

In this work, the metallo Schiff base-functionalized metal–organic framework was prepared by post-synthetic method and used as an electron-deficient catalyst for the alcoholysis of epoxides. In this manner, the aminated MIL-101 was modified with 2-pyridine carboxaldehyde and then the prepared Schiff base reacted with RuCl₃. This new catalyst, MIL-101–NH₂–PC–Ru, was characterized by Fourier transform infrared, UV–Vis spectroscopic techniques, X-ray diffraction, BET, inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy and field-emission scanning electron microscopy. In the presence of this heterogeneous catalyst, ring opening of epoxides was performed under mild condition to show the significant ability and successful applications of Lewis acid containing catalysts in corporation with metal–organic frameworks. The reusability of the catalyst was also investigated. No noticeable decrease in the catalytic activity was found after four consecutive times.     

Covalent surface modification of a metal-organic framework: selective surface engineering via Cu(I)-catalyzed Huisgen cycloaddition

A Zn-cornered, mixed-ligand, metal-organic framework (MOF) bearing TMS-protected acetylenes has been constructed and its surface decorated with organic molecules via'click chemistry', in a demonstration of selective post-synthesis functionalization.     

Synthesis, complexation and water exchange properties of Gd(III)-TTDA-mono and bis(amide) derivatives and their binding affinity to human serum albumin

With the objective of tuning the lipophilicity of ligands and maintaining the neutrality and stability of Gd(III) chelate, we designed and synthesized two bis(amide) derivatives of TTDA, TTDA-BMA and TTDA-BBA, and a mono(amide) derivative, TTDA-N-MOBA. The ligand protonation constants and complex stability constants for various metal ions were determined in this study. The identification of the microscopic sites of protonation of the amide ligand by 1H NMR titrations show that the first protonation site occurs on the central nitrogen atom. The values of the stability constant of TTDA-mono and bis(amide) complex are significantly lower than those of TTDA and DTPA, but the selectivity constants of these ligands for Gd(III) over Zn(II) and Cu(II) are slightly higher than those of TTDA and DTPA. On the basis of the water-exchange rate values available for [Gd(TTDA-BMA)(H2O)], [Gd(TTDA-BBA)(H2O)] and [Gd(TTDA-N-MOBA)(H2O)]-, we can state that, in general, the replacement of one carboxylate group by an amide group decreases the water-exchange rate of the gadolinium(III) complexes by a factor of about three to five. The decrease in the exchange rate is explained in terms of a decreased steric crowding and charge effect around the metal ion when carboxylates are replaced by an amide group. In addition, to support the HSA protein binding studies of lipophilic [Gd(TTDA-N-MOBA)(H2O)]- and [Gd(TTDA-BBA)(H2O)] complexes, further protein-complex binding was studied by ultrafiltration and relaxivity studies. The binding constants (KA) of [Gd(TTDA-N-MOBA)(H2O)]- and [Gd(TTDA-BBA)(H2O)] are 8.6 x 10(2) and 1.0 x 10(4) dm3 mol(-1), respectively. The bound relaxivities (r1(b)) are 51.8 and 52 dm3 mmol(-1) s(-1), respectively. The KA value of [Gd(TTDA-BBA)(H2O)] is similar to that of MS-325 and indicates a stronger interaction of [Gd(TTDA-BBA)(H2O)] with HSA.     

Design and non-covalent DNA binding of platinum(II) metallacalix[4]arenes

A set of cyclic tetranuclear complexes of the metallacalix[4]arene type with formula [{Pt(en)(L)}(4)](4+) (en=ethylenediamine; 2: LH=5-chloro-2-hydroxypyrimidine (5-Cl-Hpymo); 3: LH=5-bromo-2-hydroxypyrimidine (5-Br-Hpymo); 4: LH=5-iodo-2-hydroxypyrimidine (5-I-Hpymo)) have been obtained from the reaction between cis-protected square-planar [Pt(en)(H(2)O)(2)](2+) metal entities and LH in aqueous media. Additionally, the binding properties of 2, 3, 4 and their congener [{Pt(en)(L)}(4)](4+) (1: LH=2-hydroxypyrimidine (Hpymo)) with calf thymus-DNA (ct-DNA) have been studied by using different techniques including circular and linear dichroism (CD and LD, respectively) and UV-visible absorbance spectroscopies, gel electrophoresis, fluorescence competitive-binding studies and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The results are consistent with significant non-covalent interactions taking place between the polynuclear cyclic species and ct-DNA. Moreover, gel electrophoresis, linear dichroism titrations and AFM images of ct-DNA with metallacalixarenes show ct-DNA coiling at low metallacalixarene concentrations and upon subsequent increments in metallacalixarene concentration ct-DNA can be seen to uncoil with concomitant formation of long and inflexible ct-DNA structures.     

Pyridine analogues of the antimetastatic Ru(III) complex NAMI-A targeting non-covalent interactions with albumin

A series of pyridine-based derivatives of the antimetastatic Ru(III) complex imidazolium [trans-RuCl(4)(1H-imidazole)(DMSO-S)] (NAMI-A) have been synthesized along with their sodium-ion compensated analogues. These compounds have been characterized by X-ray crystallography, electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), NMR, and electrochemistry, with the goal of probing their noncovalent interactions with human serum albumin (hsA). EPR studies show that the choice of imidazolium ligands and compensating ions does not strongly influence the rates of ligand exchange processes in aqueous buffer solutions. By contrast, the rate of formation and persistence of interactions of the complexes with hsA is found to be strongly dependent on the properties of the axial ligands. The stability of noncovalent binding is shown to correlate with the anticipated ability of the various pyridine ligands to interact with the hydrophobic binding domains of hsA. These interactions prevent the oligomerization of the complexes in solution and limit the rate of covalent binding to albumin amino acid side chains. Electrochemical studies demonstrate relatively high reduction potentials for these complexes, leading to the formation of Ru(II) species in aqueous solutions containing biological reducing agents, such as ascorbate. However, EPR measurements indicate that while noncovalent interactions with hsA do not prevent reduction, covalent binding produces persistent mononuclear Ru(III) species under these conditions.     

Au(i)-benzimidazole/imidazole complexes. Liquid crystals and nanomaterials

Three series of Au(I)-imidazole complexes with stoichiometries of [Au(Cn-bim)Cl], [Au(Cn-im)Cl], and [Au(Cn-im)2][NO3] x 2H2O (Cn-bim = N-CnH2n+1 -substituted benzimidazole and Cn-im = N-CnH2n+1-substituted imidazole) together with the compound of [Au(C18-bim)2][NO3] are synthesiszed. Typical structures of each series are determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction. The last series of compounds, are liquid crystals, and exhibit a wider mesophase range than their Ag(I) analogues. These Au(I) complexes form Au nanostructures both through chemical reduction or thermolysis. For the first time, N-long chain imidazole is utilized to stabilize colloidal Au in solution. Also for the first time, unique examples of simple thermolysis to produce large Au plates of nanothickness are demonstrated. Formation of a plate-like morphology through fusion of sphere-like nanoparticles at an early stage is evidenced by TEM images.     

Experimental and theoretical evidence of the first Au(i)...Bi(iii) interaction

Complex [Au(C6F5)2][Bi(C6H4CH2NMe(2)-2)2] displays the first example of an interaction between Au(I) and Bi(III), the nature of which is shown to be consistent with the presence of a high ionic contribution (79%) and a dispersion type (van der Waals) interaction (21%).     

Fast and high yield post-synthetic modification of metal-organic frameworks by vapor diffusion

Vapor-phase post-synthetic modification (VP-PSM) is herein described. VP-PSM is a tool that overcomes limitations of standard PSM methods by giving a higher yield in short reaction times and will give more flexibility in designing metal-organic frameworks with functionalization for chemical and physical applications.     

Characterizing N-acetylcysteine (NAC) and N-acetylcysteine amide (NACA) binding for lead poisoning treatment

Using antioxidants is an important means of treating lead poisoning. Prior in vivo studies showed marked differences between various chelator antioxidants in their ability to decrease both blood Pb(II) levels and oxidative stress resulting from lead poisoning. The comparative abilities of NAC and NACA to Pb(II) were studied in vitro, for the first time, to examine the role of the -OH/-NH(2) functional group in antioxidant binding behavior. To assay the antioxidant-divalent metal interaction, the antioxidants were probed as solid surfaces, adsorbing Pb(II) onto them. Surface characterization was carried out using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis to quantify Pb(II) in the resulting adducts. XPS of the Pb 4f orbitals showed that more Pb(II) was chemically bound to NACA than NAC. In addition, the antioxidant surfaces probed via point-of-zero charge (PZC) measurements of NAC and NACA were obtained to gain further insight into the Pb-NAC and Pb-NACA binding, showing that Coulombic interactions played a partial role in facilitating complex formation. The data correlated well with solution analysis of metal-ligand complexation. UV-vis spectroscopy was used to probe complexation behavior. NACA was found to have the higher binding affinity as shown by free Pb(II) available in the solution after complexation from HPLC data. Electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) was applied to delineate the structures of Pb-antioxidant complexes. Experimental results were further supported by density functional theory (DFT) calculations of supermolecular interaction energies (E(inter)) showing a greater interaction of Pb(II) with NACA than NAC.     

Covalent grafting nitrophenyl group on Au surface via click reaction: Assembling process and electrochemical behaviors

In this paper, we described a simple and facile method for the covalent functionalization of Au surface with nitrophenyl group via stepwise strategy. Structurally well-defined azide-terminated organic self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) were formed on Au surface from a commercially available mixture solution of azidoundecanethiol and dilute thiol. Subsequent, derivatization of the azide-terminated monolayers was conducted in aqueous environments with ethynyl nitrobenzene via a selective, reliable, robust click reaction. By this way, the nitrophenyl group was covalently and quantitatively grafted on Au surface, which was confirmed by Raman Spectrometry and electrochemical methods. These results demonstrated the efficiency of using click chemistry in assembling covalently linked nanostructures.     

Hemilabile MIC^N ligands allow oxidant-free Au(i)/Au(iii) arylation-lactonization of γ-alkenoic acids

Oxidant-free Au-catalyzed reactions are emerging as a new synthetic tool for innovative organic transformations. Oxidant-free Au-catalyzed reactions are emerging as a new synthetic tool for innovative organic transformations. Still, a deeper mechanistic understanding is needed for a rational design of these processes. Here we describe the synthesis of two Au(i) complexes bearing bidentated hemilabile MIC^N ligands, [Au^I(MIC^N)Cl], and their ability to stabilize square-planar Au(iii) species (MIC = mesoionic carbene). The presence of the hemilabile N-ligand contributed to stabilize the ensuing Au(iii) species acting as a five-membered ring chelate upon its coordination to the metal center. The Au(iii) complexes can be obtained either by using external oxidants or, alternatively, by means of feasible oxidative addition with strained biphenylene C_sp²–C_sp² bonds as well as with aryl iodides. Based on the fundamental knowledge gained on the redox properties on these Au(i)/Au(iii) systems, we successfully develop a novel Au(i)-catalytic procedure for the synthesis of γ-substituted γ-butyrolactones through the arylation-lactonization reaction of the corresponding γ-alkenoic acid. The oxidative addition of the aryl iodide, which in turn is allowed by the hemilabile nature of the MIC^N ligand, is an essential step for this transformation.

A novel hemilabile MIC^N ligand-based Au(i)-catalytic procedure for the synthesis of γ-substituted γ-butyrolactones through the arylation-lactonization reaction of the corresponding γ-alkenoic acid is presented.     

A G-octamer scaffold via self-assembly of a guanosine-based Au(I) isonitrile complex for Au(I)-Au(I) interaction

A guanosine-based Au(I) isonitrile complex was demonstrated to serve as the reliable scaffold via self-assembly, wherein the quartet and octamer were formed in the absence and presence of a potassium ion, respectively, exhibiting a switchable emission based on Au(I)-Au(I) interaction.     

Covalent binding of biorecognition groups to solids using poly(hydromethylsiloxane) as linkage

By activating SiH bonds, poly(hydromethylsiloxane) can be covalently bound in a first step to various metal or polymer surfaces. In a second step, unreacted SiH bonds can be brought to react with organic compounds having adequate functional groups such as double or triple bonds, carbonyl or hydroxyl groups. This scheme is used to bind biorecognition groups to solids. The novel concept is demonstrated by attaching a newly synthesized biotin derivative to Au. It is shown that the immobilized biotin is capable of binding streptavidin.     

Facile formation of a homoleptic Ce(IV) amide via aerobic oxidation

Oxidation of [Ce(NCy2)3(thf)] or [Ce(NCy2)4Li(thf)] with dry air produced the first homoleptic Ce(IV) amide [Ce(NCy2)4].     

Synthesis and Characterization of Poly(meta-aryl sulfide amide amide)

Poly(meta-aryl sulfide amide amide) (m-PASAA) was prepared with aromatic nucleophilic substitution reaction: by the step polycondensation of sodium sulfide(Na₂S· xH₂O) with 3,3′ -bis(4-diflurobenzoyl) aryl diamine between 180–202°C at atmospheric pressure. The polymers were characterized by FT-IR spectrum, ¹H-NMR spectrum, ¹³C-NMR spectrum, X-ray diffraction, element analyzer, DSC, TGA, AFM, instron universal tester and dissolvability experiment. The intrinsic viscosity of m-PASAA was 0.41–0.46 dl/g obtained with optimum synthesis conditions. The polymers were found to have excellent thermal performance with glass transition temperature (T_g) of 233.5–277.8°C, initial degradation temperature (T_d) of 447–456.7°C. They could afford flexible and strong films with tensile strengths 38.4–46.1MPa. At the same time, their solubility was much better than polyphenylene sulfide (polyphenylene sulfide scarcely dissolves in whole organic solvents under 200°C (1 Yang, J. 2006. PAS resin and its application, China: Chemical Industry Press.  [Google Scholar])).